Let’s face it, keeping our children entertained these days can leave a pretty deep dent on the wallet. We are here to help ease the pain by presenting to you a list of free activities (yes you read it right) for families in the Klang Valley.

You can thank us later moms and dads!

1. Bank Negara Museum and Art Gallery

Who knew finance could be so much fun? This museum is all about Malaysia’s economy and economic history – and everything is entertainingly presented indeed. There are six different galleries filled with interactive exhibitions, fascinating artifacts, and fun games.  End your visit with a little shopping at the gift shop or grab a bite at the cafe.

Website: http://www.museumbnm.gov.my/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BNM.MAG/

Opening hours: 10.00am – 6.00pm daily

Address: Sasana Kijang, 2 Jalan Dato’ Onn, 50480, Kuala Lumpur

2. Royal Malaysian Police Museum

Find everything you need to know about our police force! Take your time here as there’s plenty to see and learn; from the history of policing in the country which dates back to the Malaccan Sultanate, the progression of uniforms, mode of transportations and also weapons used. Wander around the museum compound and check out the armoured cars, police plane and boat.

Phone: 03-2272 5689

Opening hours: 10.00am – 6.00pm (Tuesday – Thursday), 10.00am – 12.30pm, 2.30pm – 6.00pm (Friday). Closed on Monday.

Address: 5, Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480, Kuala Lumpur.

3. National Planetarium

Learn about our planet and the universe through interactive displays such as the Space Lab and the Anti Gravity Room. There’s also a section where you can follow the journey of Dato Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar, Malaysia’s first astronaut to outer space. For a small fee, you can catch a 20-minute (space related) movie at the theatre. Unfortunately, several exhibits were out of order during our visit. Hopefully, they will be fixed soon!

Website: http://www.planetariumnegara.gov.my

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/planetariumnegara/

Opening hours: 9.00am – 4.30pm, Tuesday – Sunday

Closed on Monday

Address: 53, Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480, Kuala Lumpur

4. Secret Garden, 1 Utama

Are your children feeling overwhelmed by the weekend crowds in 1Utama? Seek refuge in this beautiful garden on the rooftop of the mall. It is a treasure trove of more than 500 species of plants; some with very amusing names like Do-Re-Mi! Free tours are conducted every first weekend of the month, keep a lookout for more info on their Facebook page.

Website: http://www.1utama.com.my

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1Utama/

Opening hours: 10.00am – 10.00pm (Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays only)

Address: Rooftop of 1Utama, No 1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama City Centre, Bandar Utama, 47800, Petaling Jaya.

5. National Textile Museum

The museum showcases colourful textiles from the diverse people of  Malaysia.  Learn about materials such as songket and sari and embellishment methods such as embroidery and beading. There is also a charming display of jewelry and costumes from varying cultures. If you have a son or daughter who is aspiring to be the next Rizalman or even Coco Chanel, this place would be a good source of design inspiration.

Website: http://www.muziumtekstilnegara.gov.my

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muziumtekstilnegara

Opening hours: 9.00am – 6.00pm daily

Address: 26, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50050, Kuala Lumpur

6. Royal Selangor Visitor Centre

Delve into the history behind one of Malaysia’s most well-known brands and uncover the secrets of pewtersmithing. A personal tour guide will accompany you around this awesomely curated centre which is suitable for children of all ages. You will get to see up close how pewter is crafted and even get to try your hand at it. For a fee, you could also make a personalised pewter bowl to take home.

Website: https://my.royalselangor.com/visitor-centre

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalSelangor.VisitorCentre/

Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm daily

Address: 4, Jalan Usahawan 6, Setapak Jaya, 53300 Kuala Lumpur

7. National Art Gallery

Bring your kids here and ask their interpretations of the artworks displayed. You will be surprised with some very amusing answers! If talking is not their thing, bring out the pen and paper and get them to draw their own masterpiece based on what they see. The gallery rotates its exhibits on a regular basis, so there’s always something new to check out. Visit their website or Facebook page for the latest updates.

Website: http://www.artgallery.gov.my

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalartgallerymalaysia/

Opening hours: 10.00am – 6.00pm daily

Address: No 2, Jalan Temerloh, Off Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur

8. GO KL (Kuala Lumpur City Bus)

Hop onto the purple bus for a free ride around Kuala Lumpur’s City Centre! The bus stops at most major tourist attractions in town so the family can easily hop on and off if there’s a location that is of interest. For the comfort of its passengers, all buses come with free WiFi and are designed to be disabled-friendly.  It can get very packed during peak hours so do plan your journey beforehand.

Website: http://www.gokl.com.my

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goklcitybus/

Operation hours: 6.00am – 11.00pm (Monday to Friday), 7.00am – 11.00pm (Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays)

Frequency: Every 10 mins

9. Free Tree Society

This is an environmental NGO that gives out free plants to encourage a love for nature amongst urbanites. Get your family to join their Volunteer  Gardening Sessions where you will help care for the plants and also learn about composting, propagating and so much more. Children will love playing by the pond or in their Fairy Garden; however adult supervision is necessary at all times.

Website: http://www.freetreesociety.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreeTreeSociety/

Volunteering hours: 9.30am – 11.30am (Tuesday), and 9.00am – 12.00pm (Saturday)

(Bookings are required via FB Messenger or email: [email protected])

Address: Jalan Limau Purut, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur

10.  Cultural Dance Show at MaTiC (Malaysia Tourism Centre)

Play tourist for the day and catch the GO KL bus to MaTiC. Watch this hour-long cultural dance show representing the colourful cultures of  Malaysia. The dancers’ enthusiasm is infectious and their costumes, just beautiful!

Website: http://www.matic.gov.my/en/services/facilities-at-matic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPMMaTiC/

Performance hours: 3.00pm – 4.00pm (Monday – Saturday)

Address: Amphitheatre, 109, Jalan Ampang, 50450, Kuala Lumpur

Have plenty of fun, and let us know if you know of any free and cool activities to go to with the family!

By Liyana Taff and Anne Aeria